The rakyat sees a new moon rising

Whether or not the BN actually had a hand in the decision by the ROS not to recognise DAP's Central Committee is now academic.

The DAP will go to the polls with the rocket symbol intact. But even more interesting is the movement that is now sweeping Facebook and the social media.

Malaysians, especially Malaysian Chinese, have adopted creative ways to adapt the rocket symbol with that of the white moon of PAS.

It is a solidarity movement that is a powerful symbol of the healthy partnership between the two poles of Pakatan Rakyat.

Overnight, thanks to the ROS, the impossible has happened. Malaysians now believe that the DAP and PAS have forged a genuine partnership.

In Penang, over the last two weeks, all sorts of free dinners with cash incentives have been thrown by groups friendly to the BN. The 1Malaysia flag, which just happens to be of the same colours as the BN, is on every street corner throughout the state.

Movie stars and local performers are put to work on stage. They even gave out cash donations to welfare organisations.

Yet, the crowds attended because of the incentives given. As PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat said, anyone who has reared chickens know that the birds will come when someone gives out food.

The question is whether the crowds will actually reward BN at the ballot box! One recipient, the Malaysian Association of Journalists, said that it accepted the donation but was not obligated to the donors.

Similarly, there is nothing that binds the attendees to the BN no matter how friendly 1Malaysia Welfare is to the ruling coalition. But there is now a saying in Penang: "Ang pow put in pocket, but vote rocket"!

Sorely tested

In the next two weeks, Pakatan's resolve wil be sorely tested as all sorts of things will be thrown at them. This is the time for the BN to throw the kitchen sink at the opposition.

I suspect even the family jewels will be pawned to bring about the results the ruling coalition will need to continue effectively governing Malaysia.

So, it was no surprise that there are now multi-cornered fights involving independent candidates exercising their democratic rights.

After nomination day, both coalitions have suffered from internal rebellions. This will be the first general election where the backbone of Umno, Wanita Umno, will not be represented in a meaningful way.

Its leader, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, is not considered a "winnable" candidate. And its deputy, Kamilia Ibrahim (left) quit the party on nomination day.

At the same time, on Pakatan's side, PKR and PAS will have to do a lot of soul searching.

They must resolve their differences and avoid multi-cornered fights over the same constituencies.

The BN is already acting decisively by getting rid of rebels. But the DAP may not be able to do so as its CRC is not recognised by the ROS.

In short, both sides must now focus on the fence sitters and others who have yet to get the message. There are also 25 percent new voters.

How they are going to vote will most likely determine the outcome of the general elections. Nothing more can be said as nobody really knows how the elections will turn out.

More goodies

This is why we can expect more goodies and more incentives in the coming two weeks. But there will be a reckoning when the party is over.

The government, which ever coalition wins, will have to figure out how to get the money back in governmental coffers.

Pakatan's message is quite convincing in the urban areas. But as the seats become more mixed and more rural, the challenge is how to get this message to constituencies that have traditionally supported the government?

Information is crucial as all Malaysians should have access to the two sides of the political divide.

In this mad scramble for votes, nobody is interested in meaningful debate. This is tragic. Both coalitions are trying to appeal to the widest and lowest possible common denominator.

It is promise now and forget later. If we were to put together everything that both coalitions promise to do, Malaysia will be bankrupt in 12 months after these promises are fulfilled.

In the run up to a very intensive ballot box battle, everything will get amplified. But one key issue remains; it is important for all Malaysians to know that we are able to change the government and survive.

There is really no point in asking for good governance if we do not demonstrate that politicians need to be accountable to the people. In order to secure this type of commitment, Malaysians need to demonstrate that they have the courage to change.

Hence, a new moon rises as we head to the polls. If the DAP and PAS can come to an understanding, it might just be possible to achieve meaningful change through a new government in Putrajaya.

Remember that some four weeks ago, nobody would have said that Pakatan had a chance. The tune has changed and continues to be stronger.

The next 14 days will be most crucial in the history of the nation. The coalition that wins will be the one that can attract people to its tents without money, food or movie stars.